THE WINDERMERE PREP MIDDLE SCHOOL CURRICULUM

Introduction to the Windermere Prep Middle School Program

At Windermere Preparatory Middle School, our Program of Study focuses on building critical thinkers and problem solvers working at an advanced level, and we engage students in integrated studies that encourage independent thought and the application of their learning. We weave the “4 C’s” of communication, collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking throughout our campus, classrooms, events, and student body. Our cross-curricular program prepares our middle school students for high school, college, and life beyond while helping them discover their full potential.

Our Middle School teachers work together to create cross-curricular learning experiences, bringing lessons to life in meaningful ways. Because each age group is unique, we have distinct goals for each grade level. Our program capitalizes on each grade’s special qualities, centered around a global theme that connects learning to essential truths: “Opening the Book” (6th grade), Writing My Story” (7th grade), and “Turning a Page” (8th grade). Learn more about the different elements of our middle school.

What Windermere Prep Middle School Students Study

Our Middle School curriculum exposes all students to core subjects, including math, language arts, science, social studies, a foreign language, and physical education; additionally, students choose an area for fine arts exploration. Class agendas are structured around focus questions, classwork, and homework.  

Please review our Program of Study within our Middle School Program Guide for detailed course descriptions and learn more about middle school student life at WPS. Read below to learn more information about each grade’s global theme, which make our curricula special in Florida.

Windermere Prep Middle School Global Themes

• Grade 6’s Global Theme of “Opening the Book”: An exciting addition to the 6th grade curriculum  is our global theme that allows our students to transition to Middle School by owning their learning and realizing that it’s their book to open. Teachers help students discover their best study habits, find their organizational techniques, understand how to manage their time, and use different skills and strategies. Across all subjects, students learn about books as valuable resources and come to understand that learning is a way of life. Reading is the focal point of all studies, with assignments focused on comprehension and a reader’s response. At year end, 6th graders use books to convey their progress from the entire year, symbolizing their learning and how they’ve developed as a middle school student so far.

• Grade 7’s Global Theme of “Writing My Story”: As a unique part of our 7th grade curriculum, our 7th grade global theme gives “voice” to our students, as they discover why things are the way they are. Students figure out who they are in their learning journey as they complete multiple intelligence inventories and make connections to their life. Teachers provide presentation opportunities such as Environmental Day and the Garden Festival to give students hands-on learning experiences. At the end of the year, 7th graders present their portfolios to faculty as representation of their learning.

• Grade 8’s Global Theme of “Turning a Page”: As a significant addition to the 8th grade curriculum, our 8th grade global theme of “turning a page” encourages a new chapter in our students’ lives. They take on leadership roles as the top grade in middle school and begin preparing for high school. The curriculum focuses on students “taking a stand” on issues, learning to develop logical arguments, and refining their presentation skills. At the end of the year, students present their “Turning a Page” projects to a faculty panel, demonstrating what they’ve learned.
  
  
  

Windermere Prep Middle School Assessments

In addition to ongoing assessments in class via quizzes, tests, and daily assignments, we measure progress through:

• Projects: Hands-on projects allow students to apply their learning, rather than merely memorize it. Our middle schoolers learn applications, use multiple intelligences, and perform creative thinking to show their learning. Our projects are often cross-curricular, making the learning even more meaningful to students.

• Course Assessments: We administer semester and final evaluations to assess individual student progress. These assessments offer students the opportunity to demonstrate their learning through a blend of traditional and creative methods. We place emphasis on student reflection, knowledge application, and their ownership of their learning.

• Portfolios: Our students showcase their learning in means other than test results; they maintain a personal digital portfolio. They collect documentation of their learning in each class, as well as extracurricular records, to showcase how they’re progressing as students, learners, and people.

• Rites of Passage: Each year culminates with a final assessment related to the grade’s learning goals. 6th and 7th graders complete this assessment as practice for their 8th grade presentation, entitled “Turning a Page” (see above). These rites of passage allow students to demonstrate their learning via alternative assessments, revealing their progress in creative and personal ways.
  
  
  

Windermere Prep Middle School Activities

Students learn by organizing, planning, and hosting several events and festivals to showcase their learning. These applications provide excellent cross-curricular opportunities and create audiences for our students to share their knowledge with. Our annual festivals include:

• The 6th Grade Cultural Festival
• The 7th Grade Seedfolks Garden Party
• The 8th Grade Coaster Press Conferences

Other exciting activities at Windermere Prep Middle School include:

• Laker Learning Buddies: “To teach is to learn twice.” Such is the rationale behind our Laker Learning Buddies program. Every student is paired with another student, creating a social and learning relationship. Learning buddies learn together, support each other, and grow together. We expect middle school students to assume the responsibility of role model, mentor, and teacher, coming prepared to their visits with well-planned, meaningful lessons and holding themselves to the highest of standards.